Life-changing influencers

Some decisions can be life changing. Though I'm writing this as a first-person narrative, it need not be just about me. I do hope it makes a difference in your life too. I'll just tell my story and let you draw your own lessons.

A bit of a background.

I've been an IT Advisor to the Haryana Government for 3+ years now. It has been most difficult to make even the smallest of changes in the government for all the usual reasons. Despite all the constraints a lot of progress has been made, but to enjoy the fruits of our labor the Government must persist with what we've started. However, when it comes action, a Government is not some abstract entity - it is an amorphous, apparently organized (into departments, corporations, etc.) mass of people who, even for benign reasons, resist change. So the outlook is not too promising.

Given this scenario, it was clear that if I wanted to accomplish something, this isn't going to be the environment to do it. I was ready to walk.

"Why not apply my skills and energy somewhere where they will be better appreciated and produce great results?"

Now for the life-changing influencers.

First is a dialog, paraphrased from the movie - Green Lantern:

"If for once you didn't walk out of something that you care about, what is the worst that could happen?"

I switched off the TV and went for a long think-walk. I care enough about Haryana that during the last 3 years I've always referred to it as my state. So I couldn't just walk out. Not without trying harder.

Next influencer turned out to be something I read - attributed to Einstein, but I am not sure.

"If I succeeded at something it is not because I am smarter, but because I stuck with the problem longer than my predecessors"

Now, this can be a bit subjective. How much longer is long enough to succeed? When does it become subject to this other piece of wisdom?

"When you realize you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount."

Then came a thought that helped change everything. It is not about me or my desire to "accomplish" something. I realized that I should persist, not to embellish my resume or my self-worth, but because I care about the result.

In the process, the risk of failing is acceptable to me; just that I should try harder. Government willing.

Question:

How often do we come across ideas, people and projects that we genuinely and deeply care about?